Bielefield School In Middletown Classified As Focus School

MIDDLETOWN — — Bielefield Elementary School has been identified as a "focus school" by the state Department of Education because of the poor performance there of Hispanic students, school officials said.

The state uses Connecticut Mastery Test data to identify low-performing schools in order to allow administrators to form improvement plans.

In a news release, Superintendent Patricia Charles said the district will add a library media specialist, a bilingual interventionist, more professional development for staff members and new reading and math materials.

"We are taking measures to ensure that teachers, students and families are supported as we work to make the changes necessary for all children to be successful in our classrooms. The Bielefield staff is united in their determination to address this achievement gap," Charles said.

The state classifies 10 percent of its lowest-performing schools as focus schools. Subgroups are distinct groups of at least 20 students classified as black, Hispanic, English language learners, students with disabilities and students eligibile for free or reduced lunch.

"We really need to get to the root of the problem" Associate Superintendent Enza Macri said at the November school board meeting. "The performance of the Hispanic population is well below the average of the school."

Charles said schools maintain focus school status for up to three years, and can shed the focus school distinction if they meet subgroup performance targets for two consecutive years.